Texas Thanksgiving Classic (FIDE-Rated, 7 rounds)

Texas Thanksgiving Classic (FIDE-Rated)

(Austin Family Chess League – Tournament #1;  Supported by Austin Grandmaster Chess Academy)

FIDE-RATED: TOP TWO SECTIONS

November 27–29, 2026 | 7 Rounds | Friday–Sunday

Sections:  Open(2100+) | U2100 | U1700 | U1300

Time Control: Round 1: G/70; +10  |  Rounds 2–7: G/90; +30

Schedule (3-Day only)

Friday(11/27):   R1 9:00 AM   R2 1:00 PM   R3 6:00 PM

Saturday(11/28):  R4 9:00 AM   R5 2:00 PM   Blitz Tournament 7:00 PM

Sunday(11/29):   R6 9:00 AM   R7 2:00 PM

Click here to register for Saturday’s FIDE-Rated Blitz!

Location
Holiday Inn Austin Midtown
6000 Middle Fiskville Road
Austin, TX

Entry Fee

• $105 – Register by October 1
• $135 – Register by November 1
• $185 – Register by November 26
• $200 – On-site registration

Special Benefits for Strong Players and Senior Players:

2200+ Players: Players rated 2200+ who register by October 1 will receive a full refund of their entry fee after completing all 7 rounds without taking a bye.

GM/IM: Grandmasters and International Masters who register by October 1 will receive complimentary hotel accommodations. Free entry is available at any time. Please email Click here to show mail address to request the free entry code.

Senior Discount (60+): Players age 60 or older who register by October 1 will receive a $20 discount on the entry fee. Please email Click here to show mail address to request the senior discount code.

Play-Up Rule

Players whose rating reaches within 100 points of the minimum rating for the next section at any time between 8/1 and 11/27 may play up one section by paying an additional $50 play-up fee.

Tournament Rules

This tournament is US Chess rated, with the top two sections also FIDE rated. US Chess rules apply to all players, while FIDE rules additionally apply to players in the top two sections. All players must bring their own chess set and clock. Electronic devices are prohibited in the playing hall, and spectators are NOT permitted in the playing hall.

Withdrawal & Refund Policy

• Withdrawal requested before November 1: Refund minus a $35 processing fee
• Withdrawal requested November 1–25: Refund minus an $85 processing fee

• No refunds after November 26

   

Hotel

Holiday Inn Austin Midtown - Tournament rate: $107 per night (breakfast for FOUR guests is included). Free parking is available for all tournament participants.

Book Hotel at Tournament Rate

Prizes

Total Prize Fund: $2,960.  All prizes are guaranteed with 80 or more players. Players who qualify for more than one prize will receive the higher prize only. Prizes will be paid via PayPal.

OPEN Prize Fund: $1,285

1st $400 - 2nd $300 - 3rd $200 - 4th $100 - 5th $50 - 6th $30 - 7th $20 - 8th $10

Female: 1st $100 - 2nd $50 - 3rd $25

U2100 Prize Fund: $855

1st $300 - 2nd $200 - 3rd $100 - 4th $50 - 5th $30 - 6th $20 - 7th $10 - 8th $5

Female: 1st $80 - 2nd $40 - 3rd $20

U1700 Prize Fund: $525

1st $200 -  2nd $100 - 3rd $50 - 4th $30 - 5th $20 - 6th $10 - 7th $5 - 8th $5

Female: 1st $60 - 2nd $30 - 3rd $15

U1300 Prize Fund: $295

1st $100 - 2nd $50 - 3rd $30 - 4th $20 - 5th $10 - 6th $5 - 7th $5  - 8th $5

Female: 1st $40 - 2nd $20 - 3rd $10

Main Event Registration

Register Online or scan the QR code.  If you have any questions, please email us at Click here to show mail address